The hardness, swelling, and elevation of the penis that occurs in response to sexual arousal or physical stimulation.
The erectile tissue of the penis fills with blood as the blood vessels in it dilate.
Muscles around the vessels contract and stop blood leaving the penis, so maintaining the erection.
The rigid state of the PENIS when it responds to sexual stimulus. An erection is necessary for e?ective penetration of the VAGINA. As a result of sexual arousal, the three cylinders of erectile tissue in the penis become engorged with blood, lengthening, raising and hardening the penis. Muscles surrounding the blood vessels contract and retain the blood in the penis. Erections also occur during sleep and in young boys. Inability to have or maintain an erection is one cause of IMPOTENCE (see also SILDENAFIL CITRATE).
n. the sexually active state of the penis, which becomes enlarged and rigid (due to the erectile tissue being swollen with blood) and capable of penetrating the vagina. The term is also applied to the clitoris in a state of sexual arousal.
Conditions in which the normal process of erection of the penis is disrupted. They include total or partial failure to attain or maintain erection (see impotence), persistent erection in the absence of sexual desire (see priapism), and curving of the penis during erection (see chordee).... erection, disorders of
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